STAN Kroenke is poised to spark a new war over the control of Arsenal by selling his stake in the club - to Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov.
The wealthy American acquired his 12.2 per cent stake in the Gunners in April when it appeared he would mount a full takeover bid with Arsenal's former vice-chairman David Dein.
Dein's involvement in the Kroenke deal sparked a boardroom split and resulted in his departure.
A fortnight ago Dein announced a new alliance after selling his personal 14.5% stake to Usmanov for £75million.
Dein became chairman of Usmanov's investment company Red and White Holdings with the objective of eventually buying control of the club.
If Dein and Usmanov can purchase the Kroenke shares their Red and White Holdings would be the largest single shareholder in the club at 26.7 per cent.
That would leave them just 3.3 per cent away from having to table to takeover bid for the club.
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JONATHAN PEARCE
ALEC STEWART
THE MOLE